FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2006 SB-06-36
NTSB TO HOLD TWO-DAY FORUM ON MOTORCYCLE SAFETY
Washington, D.C. - The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a two-day public forum on motorcycle safety beginning on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 in Washington, D.C. Board Member Debbie Hersman will preside as Chairman of the forum.
Last year, 4,315 motorcyclists died in crashes and the rate of motorcycle fatalities has increased more than 25 percent since 1997. "At a time when highway fatalities have been decreasing, motorcycle fatalities have continued to increase, both in overall number and in fatality rate," said Member Hersman. "The goal of the public forum is to gather information about ongoing motorcycle safety research and initiatives, as well as safety countermeasures that may reduce the likelihood of motorcycle accidents and fatalities."
During the forum, the NTSB will examine issues raised by a number of recent motorcycle accidents, including the June 12 motorcycle crash involving Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, and the June 11 crash involving a motorcycle and a minivan in Williamsport, PA that killed five persons.
NTSB staff will lead technical panel discussions that will examine each major aspect of motorcycle safety, including rider training and licensing, rider protective equipment, vehicle design, and public education of motorists and motorcyclists. Representatives from the motorcycle industry, government, and motorcycling organizations will be invited to give presentations highlighting their perspectives.
The forum will be held in Washington at the NTSB's Board Room and Conference Center, 429 L'Enfant Plaza, SW. An agenda for the forum will be posted on the NTSB's website when available. The general public will be able to observe the forum either in person or by webcast at www.ntsb.gov.
Media Contact: Terry N. Williams
(202) 314-6100
williat@ntsb.gov
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